Norwegian Mountains, NordlandKvaløyfjellet, 305m (Ingebrigtvarden)
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| Fylke/Kommune : | Nordland/Sømna |
| Maps : | 1725-II Austra (Statens Kartverk, Norge 1:50 000) |
| Primary factor : |
Kvaløyfjellet: 305m Sørfjellet: 173m Jøtulen: 127m |
| Hiked : | Kvaløyfjellet: Aug 2008, Sørfjellet & Jøtulen: July 2010 |
| See also : | |
| See also : | Other Nordland mountains |
Kvaløya island
(Click for larger image)
Kvaløya island is found near the Sømna/Bindal border and connects to the mainland through the Vennesund sound. The Holm - Vennesund ferry is part of highway RV17, also known as Kystriksveien. The highest mountain is called Kvaløyfjellet, and the high point is known as Ingebrigtvarden (Ingebrigt's cairn). Sørfjellet and Jøtulen are two other independents top on Kvaløya island, and Sørfjellet is also the southernmost top on the Sømnahalvøya peninsula.
There is a marked path to Kvaløyfjellet/Ingebrigtsvarden, but this page will describe a route that may please those who enjoy stepping outside the normal paths. Those who want to hike the normal route can take a look at kjiver.no, the leading mountain site for Helgeland mountains. This page will also describe a well-worn and well-marked to Sørfjellet, and an off-trail route up to Jøtulen.
Kvaløya and Kvaløyfjellet
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Kvaløyfjellet (Norge 1:50,000: 302m, Økonomisk Kartverk (ØK): 304,83m ~ 305m, (UTM 32 W 639919 7236409), has a primary factor of 305m, being the high point on Kvaløya island.
GPS measurement on the cairn (1m high) read 305m, averaged over a 5-minute period (error margin +/- 2,4m). Per Aug. 2008, the visitor register at the summit stated that the height is 309m. This is most likely not true.
Sørfjellet (Norge 1:50,000: 217m, Økonomisk Kartverk: 221m, UTM 33 W 360655 7235015) has a primary factor of 173m, towards the higher parent Kvaløyfjellet. The defining saddle (approx. UTM 33 W 360617 7235516) is found in Kvernvikskardet. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 45-50m, interpolated to 48m.
GPS measurement read 224m (on the ground), averaged over a 5-minute period (error margin +/- 1,8m).
Jøtulen (Norge 1:50,000: 170m, Økonomisk Kartverk: highest contour is 165m, UTM 32 W 638902 7235728) has a primary factor of 127m, towards the higher parent Kvaløyfjellet. The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 W 639474 7236448) is found on the meadow between the two tops. Ref. Norge 1:50,000 (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 40-45m, interpolated to 43m.
GPS measurement read 169m (on the ground), averaged over a 5-minute period (error margin not recorded).
Einvika on Ytre Kvaløya
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Google's interactive map. You can zoom, pan and click on the
markers.
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These route descriptions are valid per
July 2010. All distances are approx. distances.
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Route 1: Vennesund - Kvaløyfjellet (summer/autumn)
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Access
The nearest larger place is Brønnøysund. From Brønnøysund, drive east to Skillevika, continue south on highway RV17 towards Vennesund for 40,4Km. Just before Vennesund harbour, turn right towards Rossvik (signed). Drive this road for 0,8km. You're now in a 3-way junction, 50m past the asphalt road. Turn left. Follow a gravel road for 500m. There is a tractor road to your right. Either park along the road you're on, or drive 200m up the rough road and park there without blocking the tractor road.
The route
Note: This route has some cumbersome points, and is not recommended as a public route to Kvaløyfjellet. Those who have done the normal route, and would enjoy an off-trail alternative can read on.
Ascent route
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Head northwest towards a distinct hump (Nonshatten, ØK). Pass
this hump to the left. When you are between the hump and the cliffs, head
towards a boulder field and scramble up a bit. Seek left and you'll find a route
that leads you safely up above the cliff. Proceed westbound on
gentle terrain
until you reach Ingebrigtvarden - a medium-sized cairn with a canister that may
contain the visitor register.
Descend your ascent route, or; head south/southeast towards
cairn 288m. Proceed
towards the valley between Kvaløyfjellet and Brunfjellet. While there are cliffs
to your left and your right, you'll find a safe route down directly towards the
saddle. Follow the valley towards the trailhead. You'll run into a small
"gorge", which isn't difficult to descend. But mind your steps, so you don't let
a false turf send you into holes. Once out of the gorge, head directly towards the
trailhead.
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Route 2: Kvernvikskardet - Sørfjellet (summer/autumn)
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Access
The starting point for this route description is Vennesund (see above). Follow the sign to Rossvik, drive 0,8km and turn left. Follow the road towards Ytre Kvaløya for 900 meters to the road's highest point. Find parking here (N65.21379 E12.01998).
The route
The path to Sørfjellet
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Follow the marked trail to the southeast until you reach 140 meters, where the path turns west. The path is well worn and easy to follow. You pass a viewpoint cairn 100 meters east of the summit (N65.20880 E12.02092). Note that the highest point is 15 meters northwest of the summit cairn. From the high point, you have a nice view towards Kvernvika.
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Route 3: Ytre Kvaløya - Jøtulen (summer/autumn)
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Access
The starting point for this route description is Vennesund (see above). Follow the sign to Rossvik, drive 0,8km and turn left. Follow the road towards Ytre Kvaløya for 3,6km and ask for permission to park at the end of the road (N65.21684 E11.98218).
The route
Jøtulen
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There is no public path to Jøtulen. From the house at the road end, head off-trail to the west and find the best route upwards. You may run into a few cliffs which invite to fun scrambling. If this is of no interest, find a way around. You pass a viewpoint cairn (N65.21587 E11.97164) 80m northeast of the high point (N65.21537 E11.97033, which is not marked). From the summit, you have a magnificent ocean view. Descend your ascent route, or do a round trip hike. Consider finding a way up to Kjøpmannsfjellet (117m) - 600 meters northeast of Jøtulen
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